Ford Transit And Tourneo Vans Get SUV-ified With New Trail and Active Models In Europe

Making passenger cars look more rugged via raised ride height, plastic body cladding and other SUV-inspired features seems to work so why not do the same with vans?

This appears to be the reasoning behind Ford of Europe’s decision to launch new Trail and Active variants of the Transit and Tourneo van lineup. Mind you, these new rugged-looking models also have some all-terrain capabilities when equipped with Intelligent All-Wheel Drive.

More specifically, the Transit Trail offers this option, while the front-wheel-drive Transit Custom Trail and rear-wheel-drive Transit Trail feature a standard mechanical limited-slip differential (optional on Transit Custom Active and Tourneo Custom Active).

2021 Ford Transit and Tourneo Active range

You’ll be able to recognize the new Trail and Active models thanks to exclusive exterior and interior upgrades. On the outside, the Active variants of the Transit Custom and Tourneo Custom sport new bumpers, additional body cladding on the wheel arches, body sides, rear bumper, and mirror caps, Signature Active mesh grille, standard roof rails, and unique 17-inch alloys. A full-width ‘Active’ decal at the rear and ‘Active’ badges on each front fender round out the exterior upgrades.

Inside, all Active models feature part-leather seat trim, with the Tourneo Custom Active also adding a blue instrument panel accent. The range of Active vehicles will be further expanded later in 2020, with the introduction of the smaller Transit Connect Active and Tourneo Connect Active models.

2021 Ford Transit Trail lineup

As for the new Transit Trail and Transit Custom Trail, they feature an even more rugged appearance courtesy of Ranger Raptor-like ‘Ford’ lettering in the matte black grille, additional black cladding around the lower bumpers and side panels, ‘Trail’ logos on the front doors, as well as unique 16-inch alloy wheels. For added versatility, Transit Custom Trail models can also be had with roof rails and running boards.

Trail models also bring an enhanced interior specification including standard full leather seating, air conditioning, power-foldable door mirrors, auto lighting, and the Quickclear heated windscreen.

2021 Ford Transit Trail

Customers can order the Trail and Active models with a choice of 2.0-liter EcoBlue diesel power plants rated at 130 PS (128 HP), 170 PS (168 HP), and 185 PS (182 HP). The Transit Custom Trail can also be had with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system attached to the aforementioned diesel engines. Manual and automatic transmissions are available across the range, but the mLSD is only compatible with the manual.

All Transit Trail and Transit Custom Trail models are available in panel van and double-cab-in-van body styles; the Tourneo Custom Active comes as an SWB model with up to eight seats, the Transit Custom Active panel van comes in SWB and LWB, while the Transit Custom Active is available as a double-cab-in-van in SWB and LWB.

The Trail and Active variants for the Transit and Tourneo ranges are available to order now across Europe, with deliveries starting in late summer. Prices in the UK start from £29,250 for the Transit Custom Trail, £30,000 for the Transit Custom Active, £35,685 for the Transit Trail and £37,950 for the Tourneo Custom Active.